When Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian last met on Boxing Day, a Martin Boyle brace kept Hearts rooted to the bottom of the Scottish Premiership table. Five months later they were relegated.
Five years later, the same fate threatens both clubs after a disappointing start to their league season. Hibs are in eighth place while Hearts are in 10th place, just four points and two points from relegation in the league respectively.
The two top sides in Edinburgh have spent almost two months bottom of the Premier League, but with just one league defeat in each of their last four matches, a win could move the victors closer to the top six from the bottom of the table.
Thursday, December 26 at 12 noon
Departure at 12:30 pm
Four of the last five meetings between these two teams have ended in draws despite the visitor Hibernian having won just one derby in 15 since their Boxing Day victory in 2019.
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Highlights of the first Scottish Premiership match between Hibernian and Hearts this season
Neil Critchley and David Dry will be looking for their first Edinburgh derby win as head coaches when their sides meet at Tynecastle Park on Thursday. Live on Sky Sports From 12 noon.
Critchley: Hearts are moving forward but I need time
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Neil Critchley on his first few months as Hearts manager, plus the 'huge' Edinburgh derby against Hibernian on Boxing Day
talking to Sky Sports News Ahead of his first Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle Park, hearts Head coach Neil Critchley He said:
“It's a massive game, and I'm really looking forward to it. It's a game that everyone is looking forward to, and we have been for the last few weeks.
“We're back with a win, but so are Hibs, so it's a really good game. It means a lot to people in the area. It's a great atmosphere, a great occasion, but we have to make sure of that.” We are calm.
Blair Spittal scored the winner as Hearts beat St Johnstone to move clear of bottom place
“If you look at the points we've picked up while we've been here, we're doing very well but we want to do better. We're close in the league and close to the points. It's very crowded at the bottom of the table and we have a busy period coming up.
“You always want to be better. We have made some progress in performance, and I think we are moving forward. I still think we have a lot of work to do and as any manager or coach says: 'We want time, but we need to get some wins.'
Gray: The greatest day on the calendar
talking to Sky Sports News Before the trip to Tynecastle Park, Hibernian Head coach David Gray He said:
“This match doesn't need much of an introduction. I've been lucky enough to be involved in the last 10 years, it's the greatest day in the calendar and if you get three points it makes it even more special.”
“It's been five years since we last did this on Boxing Day, so hopefully it's a good omen and we can send them home happy tomorrow.
Nicky Cadden and Chris Cadden celebrate as Hibernian beat Aberdeen in their final match to make it two straight 3-1 victories
“For all the players, the fans and everyone involved, this is someone they are looking forward to. I'm sure everyone can't wait for it.
“We were very confident that things would get better. You are now starting to see that the teamwork has always been there and with some positive results confidence is starting to emerge, which is great.”
